The structural integrity of a building depends largely on choosing the right material, and this Construction Materials Guide will help you a great deal. This guide will help you make the right decision before your material selection. Because the right material can significantly enhance your building's life, appearance, and functionality.

In this article, we will be discussing various material categories, their types, uses, and costs. Let us begin our discussion!

A Guide to Construction Materials  - Types, Uses, and Costs

In this section, we will be discussing types of materials based on a building's segment. They are as follows:

1. Structural Materials

These materials are used for the steady structure of a building because of their strength and durability. Such as:

Concrete

This material is known for its versatile applications and popular for its durability and fire resistance.

The most common types of concrete are as follows:

Ready Mixed

Precast

Reinforced

This material is used in a building's foundation,  driveways, slabs, and similar structural components. Depending on the type used, its costs fall in the range of $110 - $145 per cubic yard.

Steel

Another material that is commonly used for its strength in the structural framing of a building. Their strength-to-weight ratio is outstanding, and they are also a sustainable option.

Steel material types are as follows:

Structural Steel I and H beams

Rebar

Steel studs

The per-ton cost of Steel in the United States is around $1275 - $1925.

Lumber

A material that offers both strength and aesthetic appeal. This material is frequently used in framing, sliding, and flooring of homes.

The following are the types of lumber:

Engineered lumber

Hardwood

Softwood

The per board foot cost of lumber ranges from $5.5 - $12.7.

2. Masonry Material

When it comes to masonry material, Brick is the most used construction material.

This material comes in the following types:

Clay

Concrete

Fire

The cost range of a brick starts from $0.45 - $92.

3. Roofing Materials

Careful considerations are required for selecting your roofing material, as this is the first line of defense against the external elements.

The most commonly used materials for roofing are as follows:

Asphalt Shingles

It is the most commonly used roofing material in residential projects. They are highly cost-effective and energy-efficient, and also come in various colors and styles.

Asphalt Shingles come in the following types:

Architectural shingles

3-Tab Shingles

The per square foot cost of asphalt shingles starts from $96 - $209.

Metal Roofs

Known for its durability and strength, metal roof types are as follows:

Steel

Aluminium

Metal Tiles

Metal Roofing per square foot costs fall in the range of $275 - $1320.

4.  Insulation Materials

The right insulation material can help you make your home's internal environment comfortable. It will also contribute greatly towards enhanced energy efficiency.

The most common Insulation material types are as follows:

Fibre glass

An ideal material that can efficiently maintain the internal temperature. This material's cost is around $0.47 - $1.51.

The material you choose will significantly impact a project's budget. Choosing high-end materials will surely cost you more, with the prospect of low maintenance in the long term. On the other hand, if you do not want to spend a high initial cost, it may result in frequent maintenance and repair costs.

Confused about what to do! Well, the right move may be hiring professionals for Construction Material Estimation services https://www.smaestimating.com/our-services/construction-takeoff-services/.

For material estimation to be accurate and timely, it would not be possible without implementing construction estimating software. You want to hire an expert that have high technological aptitude and is also cost-effective. Doing that will help you in choosing the right material at an affordable rate without compromising on quality.

The most popular estimating software is as follows:

Planswift

Bluebeam

Stack

On-screen takeoff

RFMS

RS Means

Fast Duct Estimating

Fast Pipe

Trimble

In the United States, there are plenty of estimation firms, but the most ideal and cost-effective choice is SMA Estimating LLC https://www.smaestimating.com/.

Closing Thoughts

To wrap it all up, the right material can make your construction a successful venture. That is why thorough due diligence is required before you make any kind of decision about the material you select. There are multiple choices, but knowing what will be appropriate for your project is the primary goal. For this, consider their uses and how much they cost. In this article, we have provided you with a detailed Construction Materials Guide.  Also, we have covered each material's type and how much they can cost. So, read this article and gain insightful knowledge, and make quick and informed decisions.